Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly meme hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

Grab your current read

Open to a random page

Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My teaser this week:

"He raised a hand to shove me aside. I whipped my fist low, catching him with a sharp jab in the stomach. The air wooshed from his lungs and he doubled over in pain. Now that he was close, I caught his scent: not human."

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

p. 89-90 (ARC)

While other teenage girls daydream about boys, Calla Tor imagines ripping out her enemies’ throats. And she wouldn’t have it any other way. Calla was born a warrior and on her eighteenth-birthday she’ll become the alpha female of the next generation of Guardian wolves. But Calla’s predestined path veers off course the moment she saves the life of a wayward hiker, a boy her own age. This human boy’s secret will turn the young pack's world upside down and forever alter the outcome of the centuries-old Witches' War that surrounds them all.

This book reminds me a lot of Blood and Chocolate by Annette Curtis Klause. I've only read a few chapters but I like it so far.

Sunday, August 29, 2010

It's Monday What Are You Reading? is a fun weekly meme hosted by Sheila at One Person's Journey Through A World of Books. I always enjoy seeing what other people have read and reviewed over the past week. It is also a great way to find new books to add to that ever-growing TBR list!

I will be moving this Friday so I don't think I will have very much time to read. My goal is to finish Nightshade because it is part of an ARC tour. I also hope to write some reviews. The next few weeks will be busy and I may not have Internet access next week.

There’s a lot Zoey would like to forget. Like how her father has knocked up his twenty-four- year old girlfriend. Like Zoey’s fear that the whole town will find out about her mom’s nervous breakdown. Like darkly handsome bad boy Doug taunting her at school. Feeling like her life is about to become a complete mess, Zoey fights back the only way she knows how, using her famous attention to detail to make sure she’s the perfect daughter, the perfect student, and the perfect girlfriend to ultra-popular football player Brandon. But then Zoey is in a car crash, and the next day there’s one thing she can’t remember at all—the entire night before. Did she go parking with Brandon, like she planned? And if so, why does it seem like Brandon is avoiding her? And why is Doug—of all people— suddenly acting as if something significant happened between the two of them? Zoey dimly remembers Doug pulling her from the wreck, but he keeps referring to what happened that night as if it was more, and it terrifies Zoey to admit how much is a blank to her. Controlled, meticulous Zoey is quickly losing her grip on the all-important details of her life—a life that seems strangely empty of Brandon, and strangely full of Doug.

My review:

I liked Going Too Far so I was certain that I would enjoy Forget You. Unfortunately unlike Meg, the main character from Going Too Far, I thought Zoey was very annoying much of the time. She kept insisting that Brandon was her boyfriend when he very obviously didn't feel that way about her and then she alternately made out with Dough and pushed him away. I did have some sympathy for her because she had to deal with the trauma of her mother's suicide attempt and her dad's indifference. I just struggled to relate to her because of her treatment of Doug and her unwillingness to see the truth about Brandon.

Both characters are flawed-Zoey is a control freak and she is blind when it comes to her relationships with boys and Doug has a temper problem but they have something in common in their difficult family lives. The relationship between Doug and Zoey is a complicated tangle. At the beginning of the book it really does seem as though Doug loathes Zoey and she isn't exactly fond of him yet later on it appears that he loves her. Their connection happens very quickly but is explained by a misunderstanding and Doug having had feelings for her for years. What I found harder to believe is Zoey suddenly liking him. With Brandon, it was obvious that Zoey hooked up with him because she was upset over her family problems but with Doug it was never really clear why she decided to like him. It seemed more like physical attraction only on her part.

Although Forget You had a similar formula to Going Too Far I thought that it failed to measure up because of the main character. I did want Zoey to get her happy ending but Forget You just wasn't as good as it could have been. I think the book would have been much better if it was longer (or at least if the story spanned a longer period of time) and there was room for more character development. Even though their relationship happened quickly, one thing I did like was the chemistry between Doug and Zoey. For those who like their YA romance with plenty of zing, Forget You delivers.

Book Beginnings on Friday is a meme hosted by Becky at Page Turners. Anyone can participate; just share the opening sentence of your current read, making sure that you include the title and author so others know what you're reading. If you'd like, share with everyone why you do, or do not, like the sentence.

"It's always the same dream. But it's not her plane; it's mine. The downward spiral of the airplane thundering toward the sea like the death-drop roller coaster at the beach boardwalk but worse, because there's no happy ending to the ride-no cotton candy waiting once the scary part is over."

Sea by Heidi Kling

Still haunted by nightmares of her mother's death, fifteen-year-old Sienna Jones reluctantly travels to Indonesia with her father's relief team to help tsunami orphans with their post traumatic stress disorder—something Sienna knows a lot about. Since her mother's plane went missing over the Indian Ocean three years before, Sienna doesn't do anything if it involves the ocean or planes, so this trip is a big step forward. But the last thing she expects is to fall for Deni, a brooding Indonesian boy who lives at the orphanage, and just so happens to be HOT. When Deni hears a rumor that his father may be alive, Sienna doesn't think twice about running away with him to the epicenter of the disaster. Unfortunately, what they find there could break both their hearts.

I've finally started reading this book after checking it out of the library weeks ago and renewing it once. I think it is very good so far.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Note: If you have not read Incarceron, you may wish to avoid this review as there are spoilers for Incarceron in the description.

My review:

The sequel to Incarceron takes the reader back into the world of the prison with Keiro and Attia as they search for the Glove of Sapphique, a mythical item that supposedly helped Sapphique escape Incarceron. Outside the prison, Finn is still adjusting to his freedom and his identity as Giles. He continues to have fits and he hasn't been able to remember his past. Then a newcomer arrives at court claiming to be Giles and Finn and Claudia's lives find their lives in danger. Meanwhile Incarceron has its own plans to escape...

There is a lot going on in Sapphique. I had thought that since this is a sequel there would be less confusion but that was not the case. I found that at times I had trouble figuring out what was going on in the prison. Part of the confusion revolves around the introduction of a new character, Rix, who is an enchanter/magician. Where Rix is concerned, I couldn't help but ask "Is this really happening or an illusion?" I couldn't decide if he was just insane or if he really did know things about Sapphique. If there was a film version of Sapphique, the perfect person for the role of Rix would be John Malkovich. I much preferred the parts of the story that take place outside the prison. Queen Sia is terrible and scheming as always and there is a mystery about the new claimant to the throne. Jared is trying to find out the truth and Finn wants to keep his word to rescue Keiro and Attia but doesn't know how.

Character development does not really occur although I'd hoped to gain a better understanding of Keiro. Instead, the book was action driven. While I wanted to know what would happen I still struggled at times to get through some of the sections. In the end, I found myself disappointed by the lack of explanation and the way things were wrapped up. Overall I would say this was a good book but not a great book. I liked reading about Finn and my favorite character, Jared. I also liked the mystery at court but in the end I was left with more questions than answers.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

"Waiting on" Wednesday is a weekly meme to discuss upcoming books we can't wait to get our hands on. Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I am waiting on:

My Soul to Steal by Rachel Vincent

Publication date: January 1, 2011

This is the fourth book in the Soul Screamers series (not counting the prequel). After the way My Soul to Keep ended, I am eager to find out what happens next. The introduction of Sabine, a new character with unusual powers who happens to be Nash's ex-girlfriend, will definitely add to the tension between Kayleigh and Nash. I've already read a little bit about Sabine in the paranormal anthology Kiss Me Deadly and I can't wait to read My Soul to Steal.

I love the wash of blue color on the cover but I think the people look vampirically pale. What do you think?

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly meme hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

Grab your current read

Open to a random page

Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

"I knew I had to find my parents and I tried to turn, tried to look for them, but it was dark again, so dark, and I couldn't see a thing. I screamed for them again but nothing came out, like the darkness had taken me away; like I was outside, but not in the outside where they were, not like I was anywhere they were, and I felt rough wood, tree bark, under my cheek, and I was lying down somehow. I was shivering and the red was everywhere now, all over me, and I was going to see, I was going to see-Silver, gleaming cold and precise. Silver, moving and slicing down, down, down."

Low Red Moon by Ivy Devlin

p. 15 (ARC)

Synopsis from book cover:

The only thing Avery Hood can remember about the night her parents died is that she saw silver—deadly silver, moving inhumanly fast. As much as she wants to remember who killed them, she can't, and there's nothing left to do but try to piece her life back together. Then Avery meets the new boy in school—Ben, mysterious and beautiful, with whom she feels a connection like nothing she's ever experienced. When Ben reveals he's a werewolf, Avery still trusts him—at first. Then she sees that sometimes his eyes flash inhuman silver. And she learns that she's not the only one who can't remember the night her parents died.

Low Red Moon is inspired by Little Red Riding Hood. I like it so far and can definitely see why it is being suggested for fans of Shiver.

Monday, August 23, 2010

Allie's parents expect her to marry Baxter, her boyfriend of several years. He is being groomed to take over the family business and he is willing to marry Allie even though she is "plain". Allie is grateful for Baxter's attention and she tries to be content in their relationship until a chance meeting at her friend's wedding shows her the promise of something more. Lieutenant Walter Novak is an Air Force pilot on leave when he first meets Allie Miller. He has always had trouble talking to girls but he doesn't have that problem with Allie and they share a love of music as well as their religious beliefs. Allie and Walt agree to write each other even though Walt finds out to his dismay that Allie has a boyfriend. While Walt flies dangerous missions over Nazi controlled Europe, Allie makes plans to marry Baxter though her heart is not in it.

Allie suffers from a low self esteem because her mom always tells her how plain she is and how she should be thankful she has Baxter. It was sad to see how mean her own family was to her yet Allie is not stuck up like they are. She befriends people that her family would consider beneath them. She volunteers at the hospital, writing letters for wounded soldiers and reading to them. Allie's friendship with Walt helps her to come out of her shell more and she slowly starts to view herself differently. Walt is also no stranger to not living up to parental expectations. Unlike his brothers, Walt is not considered handsome. He has chubby cheeks and the "Novak nose". He also did not follow his dad's footsteps into the ministry. However Walt's family is loving and accepting, especially his grandfather and namesake.

I like fiction that is set during this time period and I enjoyed the historical details about flying and WWII. What I really loved about the book was the characters. Both Walt and Allie have flaws which makes them more appealing characters. I connected with Allie and her self esteem struggles and I thought Walt was a fantastic guy. His love for Allie and the struggles that he goes through over the course of the novel really made him stand out as a character. A Distant Melody is the first novel in the Wings of Glory series and I look forward to reading the sequel, A Memory Between Us, featuring Walt's brother Jack. This series is sure to be a hit with fans of Christian historical fiction.

Friday, August 20, 2010

Book Beginnings on Friday is a meme hosted by Becky at Page Turners. Anyone can participate; just share the opening sentence of your current read, making sure that you include the title and author so others know what you're reading. If you'd like, share with everyone why you do, or do not, like the sentence.

"If Isabeau St. Croix had known it was going to be her last Christmas Eve, she would have had a third helping of plum pudding."

Blood Feud by Alyxandra Harvey

It's been centuries since Isabeau St. Croix survived the French Revolution. Now she's made her way back to the living, and she must face the ultimate test by confronting the evil British lord who turned her into a vampire and left her buried for two hundred years....That's if she can control her affection for Logan Drake, a vampire whose bite is just as sweet as the revenge she seeks.

I just started book two of the Drake Chronicles yesterday but I have a feeling that I will enjoy it more than Hearts at Stake.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Since the death of her younger brother Truman, Andi has been popping pills, partying, and clinging to her music to get through the days. When her dad finds out that she is nearly failing school, he forces her to go with him to Paris during her winter break. While he is doing research, she is supposed to work on her senior thesis about a 18th century French musician. At the home of her father's friend, Andi stumbles across a diary written by Alexandrine Paradis, a young woman living during the French Revolution. As Andi reads about Alex's life she is drawn into the mystery surrounding the fate of Louis-Charles, the missing heir to the throne of France. During a trip to the catacombs under the streets of Paris, Andi suddenly finds herself in 18th century France.

Revolution tells two stories: one of a contemporary girl who is grieving a terrible loss and the other of a girl risking her life for the sake of a little boy who should be king. At the beginning of the novel, Andi isn't very likeable. She is sarcastic and mean but this is an act. She has a lot of anger towards her father and herself. She blames herself for her brother's death and she is mad at her father for not being there for their family. Andi also seems to suffer from depression. She is on medication to help her cope but it doesn't appear to work very well. Andi is an incredibly gifted musical prodigy and she relies on her music to help her express the pain she feels. I like how the author incorporated music and the arts throughout the novel. Alex relies on acting to help support her family and to cheer up the sad young prince. She also loves the characters she portrays. They help her escape from her own unhappiness.

According to Jennifer Donnelly, the title refers not only to the French Revolution but also to the changes that occur in the main characters. Andi in particular goes on an emotional journey throughout the book and by the end she is in a much better place although she will still have issues to deal with going forward. I liked how the relationship between Andi and Virgil developed. Andi is in so much pain that it is good to see her starting to connect with people again. Overall, I was very pleased with this book. I liked the historical mystery aspect and I loved the characters.

Readalikes: The Red Necklace by Sally Gardner, Sovay by Celia Rees, The Musician's Daughter by Susanne Dunlap, The Virgin Blue by Tracy Chevalier, The Devil's Arithmetic by Jane Yolen

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

After Octavian conquers Egypt in the name of Rome, Queen Kleopatra and Mark Antony commit suicide. Their children, ten year old fraternal twins Alexander Helios and Kleopatra Selene are taken to Rome to be raised by Octavian's sister. They are treated with kindness but remain frightened about their fate only hoping they will someday return to Egypt. The story of their life in this strange new world is told through the eyes of Selene.

Selene is a likeable character and I truly came to care about her and Alexander. I was pulled into the story from the beginning and I couldn't wait to find out what would happen. Selene is an intelligent and brave young woman who experiences a lot of loss but she still doesn't give up hope. She finds a way to make a life for herself in Rome and she does her best to fight the injustice that she sees. I found Selene to be a strong and admirable character.

I loved the historical details in this book. A lot of important people and events are included but for me the most interesting thing was the focus on the lives of women in Rome at this time. We learn about what life is like for the daughters of the patricians as they grow up, marry, and become mothers. Of course at the time even if a woman had been married for fifteen years her father could force her to divorce her husband and marry someone else if it was profitable. I found this to be surprising and deplorable. The horrors of slavery in its various forms was also described. Cleopatra's Daughter is a well written and deeply researched novel. Michelle Moran has made the characters come alive through her writing style. I look forward to reading her other historical novels.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Today is my birthday. I wasn't really looking forward to this birthday but then I received a wonderful early birthday gift last week. After months and months of searching and sending out resumes, I finally found a job as an adult services librarian! Needless to say I am thrilled, nervous, and excited. I will be celebrating with cake and ice cream :)

I was planning to have some kind of birthday celebration giveaway but money is tight since I am getting ready to move so I decided to hold off on doing a giveaway of my own. Instead I will be offering one lucky reader the chance to win one of my favorite historical fiction titles, courtesy of the author. Intrigued? Check back tomorrow to read my review and enter the giveaway!

In this sequel to Hush, Hush, Nora Grey searches for answers about her father's mysterious death and the involvement of someone named the Black Hand. Nora's relationship with Patch is on the rocks as he begins to spend more time with her nemesis Marcie Millar. As Nora tries to find out more about the Nephilim and the Black Hand, she starts to question what she believes about Patch and her father. Nora's life is in danger once again but this time Patch may not be around to help her.

After reading Hush, Hush I wasn't sure that I would like Crescendo but I would have to say that I liked it more than the first book and I will probably continue reading the series now. For one thing, Nora is not so helpless and since this is the second book in the series I thought it was more fast paced. Nora still annoyed me a little at times but I did like that she was more gutsy in this book. We do find out more about the Nephilim but more questions are raised than answered. I really liked the surprising twists although one big one is revealed at the beginning of the book and I wish that the reader could have discovered that secret at the same time that Nora does. A new character is introduced into the mix and it will be interesting to see what part he will play as the series continues. Those who loved Hush, Hush will likely swoon over Crescendo. The ending is a cliffhanger that will leave fans breathless for the sequel.

Readalikes: The Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa, The Soul Screamers series by Rachel Vincent, Lament by Maggie Stiefvater, Need by Carrie Jones, Fallen by Lauren Kate, the Touch series by Laura Faria Stolarz

I received an ARC of this title for review from Simon & Schuster in exchange for an honest review.

Monday, August 16, 2010

Kiss Me Deadly features a who's who list of YA paranormal authors including Maggie Stiefvater, Rachel Vincent, Carrie Ryan, Sarah Rees Brennan, and Becca Fitzpatrick. Despite the title, not all of the tales feature romance. Several of the authors wrote about characters from their other books or set the stories within those fictional worlds which is a treat for fans. All of the short stories in the anthology are new and never previously published.

I do not always enjoy short stories but there were some hidden gems in this anthology. My favorites by far were Hare Moon by Carrie Ryan, Many Happy Returns by Daniel Waters, and The Hounds of Ulster by Maggie Stiefvater. Hare Moon is set in Mary's village from The Forest of Hands and Teeth and the main character is a young woman we meet in that book. It gave some insightful backstory that illuminated the character's motivations later on and added dimension to her character which is why it is one of my favorites from the anthology. The Hounds of Ulster features two young and talented musicians who draw the dangerous attention of the Fae. Maggie Stiefvater has a gift for making even characters in a short story come alive. While I have never read Generation Dead or its sequels I was most impressed with Many Happy Returns. It was a surprisingly sad and moving story that makes me want to pick up the author's other books.

Other short stories that stood out were Fearless by Rachel Vincent and Familiar by Michelle Rowen. Fearless is set before the events of My Soul to Take and features Nash Hudson and a new character, Sabine, who will be a major character in My Soul to Steal and shake things up between Nash and Kayleigh. Based on what we see in the short story, I have a feeling that Sabine will be quite an interesting character. I haven't read any of Michelle Rowen's books but I thought Familiar was a fun and cute story about a handsome shapeshifter and a would-be witch who gets more than she bargained for when she brings home her new pet kitten.

There were a couple of stories that disappointed me such as Becca Fitzgerald's story about the horrid Chauncey in Dungeons of Langeais but my least favorite story, the one I couldn't finish, was Vermillion by Daniel Marks. I found it to be incredibly bizarre. Overall, however I thought Kiss Me Deadly was a good collection of YA paranormal romance short stories. Reading it was a bit like a cake tasting where you get just enough to leave you wanting more of the story.

Thanks to Star Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I had hoped to finish this one over the weekend but I got busy and it is slow going. I have to admit that I don't enjoy the parts set in Incarceron this time around. Keiro is not my favorite character and there is too much weirdness for me.